Amateur-built CURTISS JN4D N8262 accident near Greenville, Kentucky

Probable cause

The separation of an electrical wire that powered the ignition module, rendering the ignition system inoperative, and resulting in the total loss of engine power.

NTSB analysis

Shortly after takeoff during a personal flight, the pilot of the experimental amateur-built airplane reported that the engine lost all power suddenly. He was able to briefly restart the engine for several seconds after several attempts, but it lost power gain. He maneuvered for a forced landing to nearby field and the airplane’s wings and fuselage were substantially damaged during the subsequent landing. Postaccident examination of the engine’s ignition system revealed the power supply electrical wire from the distributor to the ignition module was separated at the connection at the distributor. Further, a secondary locking device was not present on the separated electrical connector. Thus, the separation of the electrical wire that powered the ignition module served as a single-point failure that disabled the ignition system.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA231 for the full record.